Signal device



Sept. 9.- 1924. v 1,507,728

J. A. BURGARD SIGNAL DEVICE Filed Jan. 18. 1921 ArrmPMr Patented Sept. 9, 1924.

A UNITED STATES JOSEPH AQBU'RGARD, OFOAKLAND; CALIFORNIA.

SIGNAL nnvicn.

Application filed January 18, 1921. Serial No. 438,071.

of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signal Devices, of which the following is ayspecification.

The resent invention is an improved signal and relates more particularly to a flash light device for signalling in darkness or semi-darkness as for instance, when used by anusher in a motion picture theater to indicate to another the available seating capacity of a certain aisle or row of seats.

The primary object of the invention is to provide means whereby an usher may in traversing the aisles of a theater indicate to an attendant or waiting audience the number of available vacant seats without undue commotion or noise attending the present method of calling out after a return tri is made.

this specification and the annexed drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, because it may be embodied in other forms and it is also to be understood that in and by claims following the description it is desired to cover the invention in whatever form it may be embodied.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of mysignal with a portion broken away for the purposes of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on' the line IIIIII of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective View showing a travelling reflector.

Referring to the drawings the numeral 1 indicates a flat rectangular face wall of a box container for my device. A rear wall 2, bottom 3, and end walls 4 and 6 complete the box which is closed by a cover 7 hinged to the rear wall 2. v

The inside of the box is insulated throughout as indicated at 8. Extending the length of the interior of the box at a point near the middle thereof are two metal strips 9 and 11 suitably secured to the end walls 4 and 6 by rivets or otherwise and insulated therefrom and one end of each strip extends as indicated at 12 and 13 toward the rear wall 2 to form a spring clip to contact with p the one pole of a battery 14 secured within the box by spring clips 16.

The face wall 1 of the box is provided with an aperture for receiving a bulls-eye 17 and with apertures in the shapeof letters, figures, or symbols for signalling as shown at 18. It is to be understood that the insulation is also cut away in these apertures, the object being to project light through them from the interior of the box. The functionv of the bulls-eye is to collect the diverging light rays and throw them forward, to light and indicate a vacant seat to a patron, in a theater, and the function of the symbols is to indicate to a co-usher how many seats are available.

A sheet 19 of translucent material is placed behind the face wall 1 to diffuse the direct rays of light.

I provide a U shaped member 21 which is adapted to slide through a compartment '22 indicated in Fig. 1 and when in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to serve as a container and reflector for a bulb 23.

A sp-ringclip 24 is secured tothe back of the member 21 but insulated therefrom and this extends through a slot 26 in the top wall 7 The edge of this slot remote from the face wall 1 is provided with notches 27. adapted to. engage the clip 24 in positions registering with the symbols 18 in. order to selectively illuminate same for signalling purposes. These notches also serve to make a contact for energizing bulb 23 by permitting clip 24 to contact strip 9. The current then flows from the battery through member 12 to strip 24, thence through lamp 23, member 21, strip 11, and clip 13 back to battery.

It will be seen that the clip 24, Fig. 3, is slidably" in contactwith the strip 11 and that when the clip is pressedbackward as indicated by the dotted lines at 28, it also contacts with strip 9 and closes the battery circuit lighting the bulb 23.

It will be seen that the notches 27 allow illumination only when the travelling bulb 23 is in a posit-ion to thoroughly illuminate a symbol.

I claim:

A signal device, comprising, a box casing of light proof material, a longitudinal row of symbolic apertures in one side of said casing, a battery Within said casing, members and means for completing an elec- Contact members within said casing extendt i cal connection from the other ofsaid 10 ing the length thereof and connect-ed to opcontact inen be rs through the other termiposits poles of said battery, a movable bulb nal of the bulb at points in its movement adapted to travel lengthwise of said casing When it is in alinement with an aperture. and behind said symbolic apertures, and In testimony v vhei'eo f I afiix my signature. having one of its terminals in constant electrical connection with one of the contact JOSEPH A. BURGARD 

